Honda India is on the final stages of production of its 100cc bike and the Japanese automobile major plans to unveil it soon. The 100cc is the largest segment in terms of volume in the Indian two-wheeler market. HMSI has presence in the 125-cc segment with the Shine and the Stunner models and in the premium 150cc segment with the Unicorn.
HMSI vice-president and operating head-purchase Anupam Mohindroo told reporters that the firm will soon launch the 100cc variant at the Auto Expo 2010 in New Delhi. He further added that the 100cc vehicle will be a different model, unlike most other 100cc offerings as it will be based on the lines of the CBF Stunner 125.
Bajaj India seems to be all set to rock with New Pulsar 135, which is expected to be launched on 8th December, 2009. The teaser website is up – http://goodbyetraffic.in/ – which shows a black Pulsar wrapped under white semi-transparent cover which gives a glimpse of New Pulsar 135. On hovering the cursor around fuel tank you can see the Bajaj Pulsar logo with smart new design air scoops which gels very well with the design of the fuel tank. On hovering at the rear end of the bike you can see it will feature split seat with nitrox suspension.
No official statement has been made about the technical details, specifications and price of New 2010 Pulsar 135. May be the engines will remain the same – it can be only a cosmetic makeover to give pulsar a fresh lease of life. Let’s wait and watch!!
Overcoming a technology infringement case from Bajaj Auto, TVS Motors has re-launched the much awaited ‘Flame’ with Twin Spark Plug technology after obtaining all necessary permissions and clearances in accordance with law. This executive segment bike has been launched as TVS Flame DS125 and it is propelled by 3 valve CC-VTi technology, fired by twin spark plugs. Developed with AVL Austria, this 125 cc three valve engine is tuned to the ideal swirl-tumble port combination so that it delivers superior performance while simultaneously enhancing low, mid range power and delivering high fuel efficiency.
TVS Flame DS125 is the only motorcycle in the country to have a unique combination of three valves and two spark plugs. Packing in 10.5 bhp at the rate 7500 rpm, TVS Flame DS125 has a top speed of 95 kmph. Futuristic styling and technology deployed in this motorcycle gives it best-in-class appeal. Flame DS125’s styling includes trendy headlight with two position lamps and embedded turn signal indicators which give the bike a sporty finish. The 240 mm front disc brake is complemented with a chic triangular exhaust that is not only unique but also enhances performance and delivers a pleasing sound with low emissions. The rear end of the bike sports a dual lens tail lamp. It comes with electric start and has been priced at Rs. 49,200 ex-showroom. TVS Flame DS 125 comes in dual tone colours of red and black.
The Royal Enfield Bullet has for decades been the byword for rugged, refined cool and a bike handcrafted to perfection. The Bullet Classic was unveiled by Royal Enfield at Intermot exhibition in Germany. They have already launched this mouthwatering classic version of its legendary motorcycle abroad. Bullet Classic was first launched in Germany followed by European launch. But for India Royal Enfield has removed the “Bullet” tag from the name and it is going to be sold as “Royal Enfield Classic” for Indian Market.
The Classic 500 is powered by a 499cc, single cylinder engine which generates maximum power of 27.2 Bhp at 5250 rpm and peak torque of 41.3 Nm at 4000 rpm. And the Classic 350 is powered by a 346cc engine from Thunderbird Twinspark which generates 19.8 Bhp of maximum power at 5250 rpm with 28 Nm of maximum torque to price it competitively in a range of 85-90000 rupees. What is really new in the Royal Enfield Classic is a UCE (Unit Construction Engine). In the Royal Enfield Classic’s engine, the clutch and gearbox are situated outside, they are both integrated into the crankcase. Royal Enfield claims that the UCE construction gives the Classic less moving parts, less transmission loss and less maintenance issues.
It is farewell time for the Bajaj XCD 125, the executive commuter bike that was launched way back in September 2007. This is the second bike that the Pune-based manufacturer has phased out in the last three months, the first being the Pulsar 200 DTS-i.
The reason behind this move was to make way for the slightly bigger and more powerful XCD 135 which was launched way back in February this year. Bajaj decided to pull the plug on the smaller model when its sales dipped below 20000 units a month as compared to the 50000 units expected of it by the company. In contrast, the XCD 135 sold 10,000 units in the first two weeks after its launch.
Commenting on this move, a Mumbai-based analyst stated “Bajaj had launched too many models in the market without many differentiating factors between the bikes. The company always had the option to lower or even completely stop the production of one bike and increase the other, depending on the demand”. The company is now planning to concentrate only on the Discover and Pulsar brand in the entry to premium segment while containing the Platina and Avenger within these core groups.
India’s leading gear-less scooter maker Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) is struggling with labour problem at its Manesar plant in Haryana and the firm predicts that this will cause the production to slide roughly by 50% this month.
HMSI had been producing over a lakh motorcycles and scooters earlier but now it feel that it will barely reach the 50,000 unit mark in October and the downward descend may continue in the coming months if a solution is not found for the labour issue. Honda’s other Indian arm – Hero Honda has been dominating the market and registered over four lakh unit of two-wheeler sales in September and hopes to maintain the positive growth.
The over-all two-wheeler sales in India is robust due to the festive season and attractive loan offers and is expected to cross the 9 lakh unit mark in the month of September 2009. However, HMSI due to its labour issue is losing out on this opportunity.
The Manesar region is facing severe labour problems at other plants located in the area. Thankfully , the Honda plant has not witnessed any violent protests but the pace of production has been reduced as the workers seek higher wages. This will further increase the waiting period for the firm’s flagship scooter – Activa.
New Karizma ZMR has been making a lot of news in automotive market since some photos of Karizma in white shade leaked on net. Now Hero Honda has finally launched the much awaited tourer bike – New Karizma ZMR Fi in Indian Market.
The stance remains the same as the old Karizma which is still considered to be the best touring bike in India with smooth, refined and relaxed Honda engine at the helm. The major and much needed change is addition of programmed fuel injection (PGM-Fi) in the engine. Additionally it also gets disc brake at the rear, gas charged rear shock absorbers, little increase in power and torque.
List Of New Features in Karizma ZMR Fi:
- Full Fairing
- Split Clip On Handle Bars
- Split rear grab rails
- New Shades
- PGM-FI (Programmable Fuel Injection)
- Mirrors mounted on the fairing
- New rear mud guard
- New headlamp and tail lamp which is now LED
- Rear Disc Brakes
- Bank Angle Sensor
- Turn Indicators Mounted On Front Fairing
- Oil Cooler
- New Graphics
- Slightly reprofiled body work
- Gas Charged Shock Absorbers
New Hero Honda Karizma Fi has been priced at Rs. 91,000 (Ex-Showroom New Delhi) which is on the higher side in comparison to Bajaj Pulsar 220 which comes almost 20,000 cheaper and is more powerful in comparison to Karizma Fi.
Limited Edition FZ variants are similar in term of engine and technology – the only change is that they come in all new diamond white shade with combination of blue. All 3 are available with white finish alloy wheels.
Powering the 2009 VMAX is an all-new 1679cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke DOHC 65 degree V4 engine which has been designed to offer an unforgettable acceleration experience created by higher levels of power, and an imposing design. The engine develops maximum power of 194 Bhp at 9000 rpm with maximum torque of 170 Nm at 6500 rpm.
Yamaha had earlier disclosed its plans of launching two new bikes during the festive season, one of which would beat the Bajaj Pulsar 220 to take the crown of the fastest Indian motorcycle has postponed the launch of the Fazer 250. With alot of bikes expected to be launched in the 250cc segment, Yamaha doesn’t want to the be the first to enter.
“We are not thinking of launching a bike in that (225-250 cc) range this festival season,” Yukimine Tsuji, MD and CEO, Yamaha India said. “We will launch a bike that would not only be the fastest in India, but it would be the fastest in the world,” Sanjay Tripathi, division head of product planning and brand management of Yamaha India said.
